UK retail sales values were 0.3% higher on a like-for-like basis from September 2010, when sales had risen 0.5%. On a total basis, sales were up 2.5%, against a 2.2% increase in September 2010.
Clothing sales dropped off sharply in the end-of-month heatwave.
Stephen Robertson, Director General, British Retail Consortium, said: "Short-lived factors such as the weather and discounting are influencing sales not any fundamental change in how customers are feeling. Clothing sales slumped as the sun undermined interest in winter ranges.
"As we head into the year's most important trading period, we need a return of optimism. That requires people to feel that next year they will see some payback for the current pain."
Helen Dickinson, Head of Retail, KPMG, said: "With the new academic year starting, schoolwear and shoes also did well. Sales of home accessories, house textiles as well as toiletries and cosmetics showed signs of improvement. However, with consumers' incomes being squeezed from all sides, many shoppers continue to steer clear of big-ticket items.”
"As we are entering the crucial season in the run-up to Christmas the outlook may be described as "hopeful" but that's as good as it gets I am afraid."
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